Our Southern Breeze book review

Paperback: 326 pages
Publisher: Third Chapter Press (December 14, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0983012962
ISBN-13: 978-0983012962

In this beautifully written memoir by Daphene Jones we learn all about her triumphs, down moments, heart aches, trials and tribulations, etc. It is definitely a bare all book and you will find yourself feeling almost every emotion imaginable when reading this book. It tells all about how her fraternal twin Deborah Hall affected her life, and how she was led to God.
I was riveted by this book. It was written so well, and I just didn't want to put it down. I love how Daphene tells all about her depression, her life as a twin, failed marriages, up and down career, etc. And the fact that through all her trials and tribulations she never gave up on her family, her twin, her older sister, or herself.
It was so encouraging, and even though I found myself so mad during many parts of the story at many of the people mentioned you can see unfold right in front of you how God changed bad situations to good later in life.
Daphene and Deborah are true proofs of what forgiveness and love is all about, no matter how long it took each of them to uncover that fact themselves. The fact that each of them endured what they did throughout their lives together and separate and was still able to love their family, stand by them, and care for them is just something amazing. After experiencing all kinds of abuse that is just unimaginable by a troubled father they rose above it, forgave and still respected their father in many ways.
Daphene seemed like she was always kind of the black sheep. Having an older sister that liked neither one of the twins and having a twin who clearly rooted herself in another world leaving Daphene behind, Daphene was left to find her own way. In doing so she made some bad decisions, experienced tearful depression, but still the twins were brought back together later in life by God. By being brought back together they were each able to strengthen not only themselves, but their personal relationship with God. And the transformation and events that occur in Daphene's life as a result is just so uplifting. It's definitely a book you want to read and I highly recommend it!

Here is a bit of a description taken from the back of the book::
As the fraternal twin of Deborah (Short) Hall (from Same Kind of Different as Me), I knew her like no one else could. And the inspiring story I share in Our Southern Breeze is like no other story that could be told: From growing up forever in transition as our family moved from one Texas oil camp to another, to cheating in school to try to win the approval of my parents...from facing all kinds of abuse of a troubled father as a child, to the disappointment of a failed marriage as an adult...from the deep pit of depression to suicide attempts, my life was a series of bad situations, poor choices, and worse consequences. My sister saw this, and after years of estrangement, held out a hand for me to hold...once again. It was at the Anaheim Vineyard conference in 1990 that God, through the words of a man, promised to send a southern breeze over Deborah and me. Neither of us could have ever imagined what that would look like and how many people would eventually be touched by it.

This book is an honest proof to everyone that no matter what hardships you experience in life, no matter how many obstacles present themselves right in your path, and no matter how bitter or depressed you may become; God can work in mysterious ways. He will never forget about you and even when you think He has, He is just waiting right there for you to accept Him in your heart.

To learn more about this book and the author visit this website: http://oursouthernbreeze.com/

This book is available in:  Print   Kindle   Nook



Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book as a member of BookCrash in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Happy Homemaker Monday #23

I'm finally almost all the way over that horrible cough that seemed to linger with me forever. I'm so glad about that, and I've been keeping up with my vitamins so hopefully that cuts back on my sickness this winter. Especially since I usually always seem to catch whatever is going around one way or another.

::The weather in my part of the world::
Today we woke up to snow falling. The boys were so excited! My feelings were a bit mixed. While I do enjoy the snow, I don't particularly always like the cold and dangerous conditions that follows it. BUT, it melted within a few hours anyway. The boys were bummed, but I assured them there will be plenty more snow to come. Much, MUCH more snow to come. LOL

::On my reading pile::

::On my TV this week::
As usual I will be watching Nashville this Wednesday at 10/9c on ABC.
Other than that I will probably re-watch all the seasons of 7th Heaven. Not all in this week of course, but catch up on some of them of course.



::On the menu for this week's dinner::
Monday- breaded steak, loaded baked potatoes, corn on the cob
Tuesday- crockpot beef stew, rolls
Wednesday- lasagna, garlic cheese bread
Thursday- grilled chicken, brown rice, peas
Friday- meatloaf, mashed potatoes, green beans
Saturday- chicken stir fry
Sunday- Beef & Rotini Skillet



::Looking around the home::
Levi is taking his afternoon nap and Lucas is in school. I'm enjoying the quiet while I can. I could be spending this time catching up chores, reading, etc but it's so hard to get any time on the blog lately. It seems like no sooner than I sit down I hear: "mom!" or it's too late and I'm too tired, or too early and I have to get breakfast going and the kids up.
The dishes are all done and the boys have their crayons and coloring books on the table. I'll pick those up here in a few once I finish this post and hopefully get to visit some of my favorite blogs. I know I've been a bit MIA in comments lately, but I promise I'm not trying to ignore any of you. It's just been crazy.



::Last week's recap::
I made up 20 goody bags for Lucas's class. He got to have a little party in class. I put in some of those little jumpy frogs that kids seem to go crazy for, some candy, fruit snacks, etc. I didn't want to overdo it with the candy goods since Halloween wasn't that long ago. My kids for one still have half a bucket of candy each, and Christmas is coming up so their stockings will hold that much more. Yikes. LOL
We went bowling ON Lucas's birthday with his class. They had an event at the local bowling alley for all the children and families and we figured why not go ahead and go. We all love bowling after all. Lucas scored 2 strikes! We were so proud. Me and Josh didn't get much of a chance to bowl since we were taking turns chasing Levi and encouraging Lucas on, but no matter what everyone had fun so it was a great time.
After bowling we came home and relaxed for awhile just spending some quality family time together. We had cake and ice cream, gave Lucas his gifts, etc. We didn't have a big birthday party this year. He didn't want to do a big party so we just spent it together.
 We went to the Muncie Children's Museum yesterday and took our nephew along. He's one year older than Lucas so they had a lot of fun playing and being together. I was excited to take the boys there since I spent so much time there as a child myself, but I was a bit disappointed. They have so much less than they used to! There was still some fun stuff to do, but not nearly as much as there was when I was a kid. Definitely not worth the money you have to pay to get in there, but the boys did still have fun. They had a really awesome learn not to burn program and the boys learned about fire safety and what to do if a fire ever breaks out in the house. And they had a lot of fun so that's all that matters.



::What I'll be up to this week::
I have an annual ladies appointment this week which I'm not looking forward to, but I'm eager to get it over with. Other than that I have the usual errands and we have to prepare for Thanksgiving next week! I can't believe how fast it has crept up on us! This year is flying by already! I always get a bit nostalgic around the holidays and look back over the past year. It's so bittersweet, just like our children's birthday. You look forward to the time ahead, but it's just so hard to let the past go sometimes.
I have some library books and movies due back this week, and I have some reviews to get posted which I think you'll all enjoy.



::Today's to-do list::
Sweep floors
Vacuum floors
Mop the kitchen and bathroom
Clean bathtub
Drop some books and movies off at the library
Normal day to day stuff



::Tips & Tricks::
Use newspaper or coffee filters to clean windows instead of paper towels. It is non-streaking and doesn't leave any lint. Also vinegar or any window cleaner with vinegar as an ingredient will work wonders on windows and glass!



::Something fun to share::

http://ahecticfairytale.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-05-18T09%3A39%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=7

::Bible verse/devotional::
A man who lacks judgement derides his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his tongue.
Proverbs 11:12

Understanding Theology in 15 Minutes a Day ~Book Review

Christianity is such a big part of my life. Things get crazy time and again and it's easy to lag on our studies and understanding of the faith. But no matter what we can always learn more about Christianity, and we can always bring ourselves closer to God.

This book is an excellent read when you're trying to understand Theology.

Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (September 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764210122
ISBN-13: 978-0764210129

Whether you are a beginner on studying Theology or an expert this book is well written. It is easy to understand, and laid out in sections that take 15 minutes or less to read. It answers some of the questions we all wonder, such as::

• What is theology?
• How can I know God?
• When is Jesus really coming back?
• What will heaven be like?
• How can Jesus be both God and man?
• What is the basis of Salvation?

and many more...

There are also Interesting Fact sections at the end of each chapter which I found very interesting. It adds a really nice touch if you ask me, and keeps you on your toes.

The author states that he hoped to keep his own personal viewpoint from coming through. However, inevitably, it did come through here and there. It wasn't too much of a big deal for me though since we all have different viewpoints. It's still interesting to learn others viewpoints, and while there was a few things I didn't agree with in this book there were a lot of points I did agree with. Despite the points that I didn't agree with being said I still learned quite a bit from this book and recommend it if you want a deeper understanding of Theology.

This book is an excellent starting point for Christians who want to know more. I have learned a lot myself from this book, and now know where I want to search more in-depth for deeper answers. It's especially handy for those who want to learn Theology but don't have much time to dedicate to reading during the day. The book is set up well to where you can skip around if you'd like, or just read it from front to back. You can still get through the book easily. It's easy to understand and as I said before each section can be read in about 15 minutes or less.

This book is available in:   Print   Kindle   Nook


You can also check out my review of this book on Goodreads and Amazon



Disclaimer: I was provided this book for free through Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my unbiased review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.

1st Step Pro Wellness B12 Complex Review and more!

If you're anything like me, you're always tired. I mean it, let's be totally honest here...when we lead such busy hectic lives we are ALWAYS tired, exhausted, or feel like we are running on fumes by mid-day. And I get tired of depending on cup after cup of coffee. Coffee isn't healthy to consume in large amounts due to all the caffeine, sugar, etc. I love coffee but there's a difference between drinking it for the pleasure of the taste versus needing it to boost your energy. I for one don't like to depend on coffee just for the sole purpose of boosting my energy.
I have tried a couple other energy boosting products in the past, but I'm very careful and conscious of what I put into my body so I don't drink the usual energy drinks. I'm just not into the downward spiraling crash that is inevitable when you drink those drinks. I mean sure it helps for a few hours, but what if you need a longer boost than that?
So I was pretty excited when I was contacted by a company to try a Liquid Vitamin B12 Complex that is stimulant free & caffeine free. It's called 1st Step Pro-Wellness.
They use fruit juices such as natural cherry, mango, papaya, and passion fruit that is derived directly from orchards on U.S. soil.
It not only helps boost energy, but provides wellness benefits because it contains B-12, B-9, and B-6 vitamins. The B complex helps with metabolism, the nervous system, eyes, muscles, vital organs, hair, and skin.

I was sent two bottles to try. One Cherry Charge flavor and one Tropical Blend. Both tasted pleasantly (and surprisingly well. I mean let's face it, with these types of products we don't expect much in taste, but I actually quite liked the taste of each flavor! It wasn't bitter but rather sweet and natural tasting, and I haven't had such a pleasant experience with the taste of other leading brands. I must admit the taste was quite exceptional, especially compared to other leading energy drinks/shots.

I drank one bottle one morning and it seemed like I had energy all day throughout. There was no crash and burn, and it just felt as if my energy was boosted in a natural manner and not like being sucked into a tornado.
The second bottle I drank half in the middle of the day when I was lagging behind on chores, errands, and the kids were being especially rowdy. The rest I put in the refrigerator and drank the rest the next day when I felt as if I was lagging behind. I love how it works instantly but doesn't make you feel like you're getting one sudden jolt all at once. It lasts for quite a while, and I had absolutely no adverse effects from drinking it. There was no headaches, dizziness, nothing. I actually felt energized throughout the day and did not feel as if I needed to always be on the go, but rather a natural energy. I could do chores, errands, etc and sit down, play, and relax with my kiddos when I wasn't doing chores. I felt more alert in a natural way, but no jitters. I was really impressed.

Here are some interesting facts aside from what I already mentioned::

• 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS B-12 Complex does not contain caffeine, niacin, or artificial flavorings. 
• 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS B-12 Complex is gluten free and 100% vegetarian.
• For more than 10 years, 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS brand has been the nutritional brand of choice by more than 330 collegiate and pro sports teams, as well as countless elite female and male athletes because it works. 
• According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, December 2011 edition, long-term supplementation of daily oral vitamin B12 and B9 promotes improvement in cognitive function.
• 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS Vitamin B-12 Complex can be used as both a vitamin supplement and an energy enhancement. Take vitamin B-12 once daily as you start your day, or take a dose whenever you need an extra energy boost to keep going. Take vitamin B-12 everyday for energy and cognitive wellness benefits.
• 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS offers a variety of vitamins and supplements designed for women to promote healthy nutrition, muscles, bones, joints, heart and weight.

As a busy mom who is always on the go I can first-hand recommend this product to women everywhere. Whether you are a stay at home mom, working mom, or just busy woman in general this is one product that boosts your energy in a healthy way. Compared to other leading brands like 5 hour energy I have tried in the past I am sold on 1st Step Pro-Wellness. 5 hour energy is sweet but a tad bitter on some of the flavors, and 1st Step is very sweet and pleasant to drink. It's even designed especially for women! Can't get much better than that! Except for the fact that it has natural flavorings and uses natural vitamins to enhance energy!

1st Step PRO-WELLNESS products are available nationwide at Walgreens, Bi Lo, Publix, Kroger and more than 2,000 independent retailers.

******Click HERE for a $4.00 off coupon!******

You can read more about the 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS products by visiting their website.
And you don't even have to take just my word for it, there are some great testimonials for you to read if you want to see others reactions to this great product.

There is also a FACEBOOK CONTEST for a Great Taste Challenge, hosted by 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS. The grand prize is one year supply of B-12, 1st Step PRO-WELLNESS swag and a gift card to Walgreens! Contest ends on November 19th, 2012. And with the coupon I listed above you can try the B12 complex at very little cost to you! So go ahead and enter in the Great Taste Challenge. You could win some amazing products! And if you could do me a little courtesy of leaving a comment saying you heard about the Great Taste Challenge through Mommy's Musings on the-edge-of-the-sky.blogspot.com I would greatly appreciate it.

You can also connect with 1st Step Pro-Wellness via the following::

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Blog

Disclaimer: I was provided with 2 bottles of 1st Step Pro-Wellness B12 complex for free in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

Just a lil update...

Oh my am I ready for bed and it's only 10am. I still have this horrible cough that just does not seem to want to go away. It's actually gotten to the point where I have to take Dayquil before I go to bed at night JUST so I can sleep. Otherwise I wake up the whole house (literally my kids get up asking if I'm okay) with my incessant coughing fits which seems to happen every five minutes.

I know I missed Happy Homemaker yesterday, but yesterday was SO busy. I actually sat down and started it, but then I was needed elsewhere so I clicked save and just wasn't able to get back on the computer the rest of the day. I didn't get another free minute until 11pm and by then I was frankly completely tired and exhausted. I pretty much fell asleep right as my head hit the pillow. I didn't even get to cover up all the way. LOL

Yesterday I had to make a trip to the library. I actually misplaced a movie that was due and I spent 2 hours searching for it. I found the case right where I left it but the disc wasn't in it. I could have sworn that I put the disc in there, but it wasn't there. I was flipping out because it was a new release and I don't want to have to pay for anything. I am usually so consistent on keeping all the library stuff in one place. The library movies have a place, and the library books have a place. But anyway by sheer accident I finally located it in a yo gabba gabba case. At that point I decided I NEEDED to get the movies back so with the kids in tow we set off. I was so worried because normally taking the kids ensures that our library trip will be over with before it even begins. I'm the mom chasing after the 4 year old while the 1 year old screams in his stroller because he doesn't want to sit there. I usually end up with only one movie and some children's books and rush out of there as fast as I can before I get asked to leave by security for alarming the other library patrons because my kids are screaming. But yesterday I had faith (and a dollar to use for bribery for the vending machine). So we went in and automatically Lucas started helping me turn in the movies that were due. Then we went in search of some children's movies for him and Levi. Levi only yelled a couple of times but he did sit in his stroller which I was thankful for. Lucas didn't run off at all and stayed right by my side and was the perfect little gentleman. He even helped with Levi a few times when he started hollering loudly. We ended up with a lot of great movies (theirs and mine) some great book finds (theirs and mine), and as promised I got them something to split out of the vending machine before we left. Behold the power of a dollar!

By the time we got out of the library around 5:45pm it was almost fully dark outside. I can't believe it gets dark so quickly! But I'm not complaining. I kind of like it actually! Call me crazy, but it seems appropriate for the winters approach that it does get dark sooner. Although I probably shouldn't actually write that down because later I'll probably find myself complaining about it getting dark sooner, but for now I don't mind it in the least. It seems to calm the kids sooner. They know when it starts getting dark that it gets closer to bedtime.

I love the winter because of the snow, the holidays, etc. The only thing I don't really care for is the cold. BUT with the good comes the bad and we can't have snow without cold obviously.

I must go do dishes and clean now. It's almost time to take Lucas to school and I'm hoping Levi decides to take his nap during that time so I can get some reading time in. I used to get up early to read but I have been so tired lately it's been impossible to concentrate, and staying up later to read seems next to impossible for the same reason.

Anyway enough rambling from me right now. I've been working on a lot of great reviews to go up this week so stay tuned. One will be posted about everyday this week so there will always be something great to look for and learn about! Plus there will be my usual rambling posts. LOL. I hope you enjoy!

Sincerely,

Tori

Songs That Make Us Sing Saturday #4

It is freezing outside today! I'm glad we don't have anywhere to go and we are staying in the whole day! I have lots of chores to catch up on, and some movies for us to watch that are due back to the library on Monday. I still have this horrible cough, but my voice is slowly coming back and I can feel the cough breaking up.
I'm so excited this is November despite the fact that it's going to be cold. I love this time of year even though I complain about the cold. It's the time for holidays, cozy indoors, and so much is going to be happening over the next couple of months.
Lucas turns 5, it's the time for Thanksgiving and Christmas, we get our fur baby (I can't wait to post pics of him), and it's just going to be an all around great end of the year I hope.
Hubby is going to be working a lot this month though so it's going to be rough without him and the children are going to miss him. He is working every day this week besides Friday (which is Lucas's birthday) so we aren't going to see much of him. He leaves hours before the kids are up in the morning and he doesn't get home until they are going to bed. At least he gets to tell them goodnight though, I am thankful for that. But I'm pretty sure they are coming down with something because they've both had the sniffles, coughs, and have been sort of clingy. Of course the mommy side of me is saying: "They are for sure getting sick" but I have an optimistic side hoping that it's just due to the weather change. But who am I kidding? I already know what's around the corner.
But anyway today is Saturday so it's time for Songs That Make Us Sing Saturdays. If you want to participate you can just go on over to:

(not) Just Another Mom of Twins

&

Because I'm The Mommy

Here's my song of the week:

Psy - Gangnam Style

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Our Thoughts & Prayers are with Hurricane Sandy victims

I just want to take some time out to today to say that my prayers and thoughts are with everyone on the East Coast who have been affected by Hurricane Sandy. Whether you live on the East Coast or have family/friends on the East Coast our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

In times of devastation it's easy to lose your hope, it's easy to give up, it's even more easy to lose faith. It's these times when we are being tested the most. But don't let go of any of that! Keep tight hold to your faith, your hope, and don't give up. God is always with you. Others across the world are thinking of you, and although times seem tough right now and things are in a disarray you are not alone. Your never alone.

Again I want to just say that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.